29. Captain BENNasked the Prime Minister for what reason the Government has decided to introduce into the House of Lords their Resolutions for constitutional reform?
§ The PRIME MINISTERBecause it is customary to originate a Measure for the reform of one of the Houses of Parliament in the House which it is proposed to reform.
Captain BENNWas that the course taken in the case of the Parliament Act, and are we to understand that in this case proposals respecting the powers of the House of Commons are first to be submitted for the approval of the House of Lords?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman evidently forgets what the Parliament Act was, and perhaps I had better explain it. There was nothing in it about, the reform of the House of Lords, except in the Preamble. The operative part of that Act had reference only to the relations between the two Houses.
Captain BENNAre we to understand that these proposals do not affect the powers of the House of Commons?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThey do not affect the powers of the House of Commons, but the relations between the two Houses, and the reform is to be confined exclusively to the House of Lords.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right, hon. Gentleman give the House any precedent for introducing legislation by way of Resolutions in the House of Lords relating to the relationship of the two Houses?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt does not merely relate to the relationship of the two Houses. It is a proposal for the reform of the House of Lords, and we shall first proceed in the Chamber which is to be reformed.
§ Mr. W. THORNEHave the Lords to dig their own grave?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is becoming a Debate.